Folate (Vitamin B9)
The vitamin that's absolutely critical during pregnancy for preventing neural tube defects — but it also matters year-round for cell division, DNA repair, and energy.
Benefits
- +Essential for healthy cell division and DNA synthesis
- +Prevents neural tube defects during pregnancy (critical for all women of childbearing age)
- +Supports healthy red blood cell production
- +Helps regulate homocysteine (linked to heart disease)
- +Important for mood and mental health
- +Plays a role in DNA methylation and epigenetics
Dosage & Cost
Women planning pregnancy should take at least 400 mcg daily. Choose methylfolate (L-methylfolate) over folic acid if you have MTHFR gene variants — it's the more usable form.
Side Effects
- !Rarely causes side effects at normal doses
- !May mask B12 deficiency symptoms (take together if needed)
- !Possible allergic reactions to synthetic folic acid in some people
- !Digestive upset is uncommon but possible
Food Sources
- • Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale)
- • Lentils and beans
- • Asparagus
- • Brussels sprouts
- • Avocado
- • Fortified cereals and breads
References & Links
Community
Popularity rankings
Stats accumulate as members log their stacks
Not in any public stacks yet.
This page is for informational purposes only. The information here has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). No supplement discussed on this page is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplement.